Sanders Sounds Alarm on Authoritarianism as Trump Deploys National Guard in LA: What It Means for Democracy

Bernie Sanders recently expressed deep concerns about the direction of American democracy. He did this during an interview with CNN, addressing President Trump’s decision to send the National Guard to Los Angeles amid protests against federal immigration raids. Sanders believes that these actions are pushing the U.S. closer to authoritarianism.

He stated, “We have a president who is moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism.” Sanders pointed out that neither California Governor Gavin Newsom nor Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti requested this deployment. He stressed that Trump seems to feel entitled to make unilateral decisions without local consent.

Throughout his career, Sanders has warned about the dangers Trump poses to democratic values. Since returning to office, Trump has made headlines by attacking universities, slashing budgets, and rolling back rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. Sanders elaborated, saying, “He is suing the media who criticizes him. He’s going after law firms and universities that disagree with him. He wants all the power and does not respect the Constitution.”

Sanders also highlighted the role of Congress. He called on a handful of responsible Republicans in Congress to take a stand for the Constitution and uphold the rule of law. His urgent message reflects growing concerns among many politicians about the checks and balances that protect democracy.

This tension intensified in California, where leaders criticized Trump’s decision to send 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles. Governor Newsom described the move as “purposefully inflammatory,” arguing that it creates unnecessary spectacle rather than addressing real issues.

Over the weekend, Los Angeles experienced significant protests in response to aggressive immigration raids targeting migrant communities. These demonstrations reflect a broader national sentiment against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Historically, deploying federal troops for domestic issues is rare. The last similar instance happened during the 1992 Los Angeles riots triggered by the acquittal of police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King, a pivotal moment in the conversation about race and justice in America.

In short, Sanders’ warnings resonate with many who fear this erosion of democratic principles. With rising protests and controversial government actions, the dialogue about the United States’ future has become more urgent. Many Americans are paying close attention and voicing their opinions across social media platforms, indicating a vital moment in the ongoing debate over civil rights and governance.



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